Which Natural Health Supplements to Boost Your Metabolism Do Doctors Say to Avoid?

With weight management a number one concern for many people, natural health supplements reported to boost metabolism fly off the grocery shelves.

Here are four metabolism-boosting supplements that doctors advise to take with caution:

1. Conjugated linoleic acid: According to Prevention Magazine, this fat found naturally in meat and dairy products — also available as a supplement — has been shown to help with burning fat. While this product is mostly safe taken naturally from foods and possibly safe as a supplement, WebMD warns that people with certain health issues should take it with caution. There are concerns that CLA slows clotting, so it may cause problems for people with bleeding disorders, or if taken during or after surgery. People with diabetes should not use it, nor should those who have metabolic syndrome, according to WebMD.

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2. Green tea catechin: Quantities of green tea ingested or even put on the skin are safe in small amounts, however, WebMD warns that drinking too much can open patients up for additional health problems. Drinking more than five cups a day may cause issues related to caffeine intake and sometimes fatal doses of caffeine may be possible. According to WebMD, green tea "seems to reduce the absorption of iron from food." Additional problems with drinking too much green tea can occur in patients suffering from other issues such as anemia, anxiety, heart conditions, irritable bowel syndrome and liver disease.

3. Selenium: Most people get enough selenium in their diets because small doses are needed to meet your body's needs. "Selenium can help insure that your thyroid — the gland in your neck that regulates metabolism — stays healthy and continues to produce the hormones that keep your metabolism and energy at optimal levels," reports Prevention Magazine. While selenium is likely safe for a short period of time, it has various potential side effects. Seek a doctor's guidance before taking selenium. According to WebMD, it can cause problems with people with an underactive thyroid and autoimmune disease.

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4. Resveratrol: Found in the skin of red wine grapes, resveratrol has received significant publicity for a variety of reasons. Forbes reported that animal studies have shown it had a metabolism-boosting effect, but those studies have struggled to translate to human studies. Still, many in the market to lose weight consider it an option that may help. While it is likely safe when taken from food and as a supplement for up to three months, WebMD cautioned that it may cause bleeding problems during and after surgery and that it might act like estrogen, which could worsen conditions such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers.

This article is for information only and is not intended as medical advice. Talk with your doctor about your specific health and medical needs.

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